St Petersburg, FL Beaches, 1 Dali Blvd, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, Phone: 727-823-3767. These beautiful Caribbean beaches will be the highlight of any family vacation. Are your children pestering you about seeing alligators on your trip to Florida? The constant 72-degree waters of the St. Johns River, which rests at the center of the park, is home to more than 500 manatees, along with other wildlife such as a variety of wading birds, ospreys, eagles, and kingfishers, and plenty of fish. Pier 60 Sand Key Park The Sea Screamer Moccasin Lake Nature Park The Jolley Trolley Laser Ops Arcade Congo River Golf Mega Bite Shark Boat Coachman Park Memorial Causeway Green Trail Great Explorations Children's Museum Captain Bligh's Landing Mini-Golf Tampa Bay Grand Prix Clearwater Marine Aquarium Clearwater Marine Aquarium Although Tallahassee, Florida is known as a university town, we discovered there are plenty of fun, family-friendly things to do.Here are our favorites: 1. Other unique Florida attractions such as the Adventures Unlimited Outdoor Center and Gulf Breeze Zoo also make for fun day trips. Busch Gardens Tampa, about an hour away, offers thrills as well as animal encounters. Blue Spring Park serves as a haven for these gentle creatures who come to the park to birth their calves in a protected area in the summer. But its not only the great weather and beautiful beaches that attract thousands of tourists every month the state offers a plethora of attractions, activities, and adventures for all tastes. Good to Know:Perfect for a sunny day, you can meander through the neatly manicured gardens and explore the colorful displays and exhibits, or attend one of their lively festivals held throughout the year. FAMILY CAMPING: 10 Best Campgrounds and RV Parks for Families. "url": "https://www.tripstodiscover.com", The collection is also home to a full-scale working replica of the fardier of Nicolas-Joseph Cugnot - the first self-propelled mechanical vehicle. Whether you are a parent or a community group member, everyone plays a role in drowning prevention. A behind-the-scenes tour will bring you by huge rockets as well as launch and landing facilities. Here are the top places to visit in Florida, along with some truly unique things to do with kids and teens when youre there. "url": "https:\/\/files.tripstodiscover.com\/files\/2017\/08\/20476205_10155927986251756_3048008887143757365_n.jpg" As parents and travel experts, we select every product, destination, and attraction we recommend based on independent research, strong reviews, and product testing. 15 of the Best Things to Do in Clearwater with Kids Why Do It? So why not set a date to reconnect in a fun and relaxed locale for a reunion? Tree Trek Adventure Park 3. Visit Website. If youre embarking on a Florida road trip, even better: You have the advantage of stopping at different islands likefamily-friendly Key LargoandDuck Keyalong the way. But Florida is just not beaches. Walt Disney World Source: Instagram Walt Disney World Orlando Why you've got to go: Walt Disney World is arguably the world's best theme park for kids that sparks imagination and innovation. With 16 miles of rolling white sand dunes and tranquil Gulf waters, the kids can enjoy a secluded beach area all to themselves. Stunning costumes and talented dancers and singers. Named one of the worlds best dive sites by Sport Diver magazine, the bridge towers over an estuary treating snorkelers and scuba divers to crystal-clear water, myriad marine life, and vibrant coral reef formations. Why Do It? TAMPA, Fla.-- St. Joseph's Children's Hospital in Tampa is celebrating its Christmas in July toy collection Friday and donation drive. Ride a rollercoaster. Also, theFlorida AquariuminTampaoffers an outdoor aquatic exhibit for kids called Explore-A-Shore. The park also provides a vitally crucial protected habitat for many species of wildlife, including endangered sea turtles, like the Atlantic green, the loggerhead, and the leatherback. It's a great area to take the family because there are so many . The Dal offers a variety of educational programs, workshops, and community outreach programs. Kids Things To Do Near Me Florida Things to do in Florida with kids Sunshine and fun.that's Florida! Open everyday 9:30am - 5pm. Weekend Getaways from Miami, 101 W Flagler St, Miami, FL 33130, Phone: 305-375-1492. Located on North Hutchinson Island and four miles north of Fort Pierce Inlet State Park, Avalon State Park is a new seaside park with over a mile of undeveloped beachfront. The Museum of Arts and Sciences (MOAS) in Daytona Beach is dedicated to the fields of arts and science and is home to over 30,000 objects, items, and artifacts, ranging from astrology to original artworks from African to Cuba. The John F. Kennedy Space Center is NASA's primary launch center of human spaceflight and one of ten National Aeronautics and Space Administration field centers. The Boca Raton Children's Museum is dedicated to education and learning through educational exhibits, activities, programs, and events. Good to Know: An on-site trolley tour takes visitors to a boardwalk where manatee viewing is available. 50+ of the Best Things to do in Florida with Kids Packages also tend to include the popular DISCOVER KSC (Kennedy Space Center) bus tour and an up close and personal look at the Space Shuttle Atlantis. Why Do It? You can participate in a variety of animal encounters, including dolphin care experiences and photo opportunities with resident animals to help you remember your day at Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Family Fun in The Palm Beaches Alluring Amusement Parks See our privacy policy. Aquariums. Visitors can walk through a series of tunnels and watch the monkeys at play. Top options include Destination Sitters LLC , Jovie of Orlando, and Tootles Event Sitters, all of which offer professional services for individual families and large groups such as weddings and reunions. Depending on the time of year, you can enjoytheFlorida Blue Florida ClassicinOrlando. Hang out with parrots at the Bird Gardens of Naples. Located in Pinellas Park in the Tampa Bay Area, the Tampa Bay Automobile Museum is dedicated to the history of automobiles with a fascinating collection of historic cars from the 20th century, which were donated by French entrepreneur, Alain Cerf. Good to Know: Both kids and adults alike will be mesmerized by the famous Blue Angels practicing over the museum. One of the most impressive gardens in Florida, Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales is famous for its 205-foot singing bell tower and majestic 60-bell carillon. From arts and cultural excursions to watersports and land-based recreational events, here is a list of fun and exciting places to see and explore with the kids in the state of Florida. Florida hosts 15 Major League Baseball teams duringSpring Training. What Is It? Adding up the cost of entrance fees, food and accommodation, however, can add up pretty quickly when youre planning a family getaway to the Sunshine State. More day trips from Fort Lauderdale, 3301 Gateway Centre Blvd, Pinellas Park, FL 33782, Phone: 727-579-8226. "@context": "http://schema.org", Established in 1979 around the original floodplain of Cypress Creek, the Fern Forest Nature Center protects habitats that have almost vanished due to overdevelopment. Attractions. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, Sanibel Island, John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Sarasota, Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory, Key West, Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory. By Beth Luberecki Behind the veil of culture, there are cool hangouts for kids. The park has several shady areas for picnicking as well as play areas for children, and attractions at the park include a Fossil Dig where kids can dig for real fossils at a sand table and take their favorite three home. I highly recommend this experience for all animal lovers and anyone looking for a unique and intimate experience with. The 6,300-acre refuge covers almost half of the island, and families can get up close and personal to some of Floridas unique wildlife, from alligators to a variety of birds. A beautifully developed state park, visitors can watch the show before swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking through the 72-degree crystal clear waters. There are the classics and the don't misses, the obvious and the clich, but just as memorable - and often far less stressful and less expensive - are the distinctly Floridian under-the-radar discoveries. The interactive and playable museum is a giant throwback arcade and retro gaming emporium that takes visitors back in time to an era before digital and houses more than 100 arcade and pinball games in their original cabinets, video games, jukeboxes, and other amusements, and the worlds biggest pinball machine. The HistoryMiami Museum, formerly known as the Historical Museum of Southern Florida, is dedicated to telling the story of the history of Southern Florida. Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity. 2023 Vacationist Media | Terms of Use - Privacy Policy - Cookie Policy. "name": "TripsToDiscover", From Cactus Jack's Trail Rides to Petting Zoo Ocala, the Ocala area offers 52 different types of family activities, including: Golf, Movie Theaters, Theaters and . If you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no cost to you. } That said, its smart to fill your vacation itinerary with other Space Coast experiences that will wow your kids and make the trip worth it, whether or not the launch takes place. NO PASSPORT NEEDED: The 4 Best All-Inclusive Hawaii Resorts for Families. Why Do It? Pin Email Share The Best Family Vacations Happen Here Whatever you're imagining, you can make it real in the Sunshine State. The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a permanent home to these animals as once they have been rescued and rehabilitated, they remain at the sanctuary for safety. Good to Know:Castillo de San Marcos is the centerpiece of the citys history, where visitors can walk along the walls of this massive fort where centuries-old historic battles took place. See our privacy policy. Check outSiesta Key, Clearwater Beach, Fort MyersandFort WaltonBeach to name just a few. Walt Disney World Resort, Orlando, FL 32830, Phone: 407-939-5277. Africans who fled slavery in the British Carolinas were welcomed by the Spanish government to this fort in 1738. Built in the 1910s in a time when Miami was choked with trees instead of traffic, the beautifully maintained 34-room mansion is surrounded by acres of serene European-style gardens packed with ornate fountains and statuary, some of which date back to antiquity. Visitors can explore butterfly anatomy, physiology, the life cycle of a butterfly and the migratory world of these gorgeous winged creatures. For starters, you should charter a boat with a valid saltwater fishing license to avoid doling out cash for individual licenses youll use only once. 17 Best Things To Do With Kids in Florida On a Budget By Charity De Souza Our research is editorially independent but we may earn a commission for purchases made through our links. If youre looking for a unique place to stay, check out the top Airbnb rentals in the area. 337. Here are some places that just shouldn't be missed while in Florida. Youll need to make a plan in advance for one of the truly unique things to do in Florida: snorkeling for your own scallop dinner along the Gulf Coast of the Sunshine State. Get In central Florida, Boggy Creek Airboatstakes riders up-close along the shores of East Lake Tohopekaliga. AtRonnie Van Zant Park south of Jacksonville, for example, you can't fish unless you're accompanied by someone younger than 16 years old. "@type": "BlogPosting", Good to Know:Enough to entertain the kids for an entire day, visitors will also find over 20 exotic bird species, 3,500 plants, and a tranquil set of waterfalls. Blue Spring State Park is a state park located west of Orange City and a popular tourist destination that offers an array of outdoor recreational activities from hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, and canoeing to swimming, fishing, camping and wildlife watching and is one of the best places in Florida to see manatees in the wild. Family Activities & Kids Attractions in Sarasota, Florida Rocket launches usually get rescheduled for a day or two after their original date. Kids Attractions Downtown Sarasota. THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Florida with Kids (Updated 2023) - Tripadvisor A top family attraction in the Florida Keys, the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory is home to over 50 species of butterflies in its 5,000 square foot aviary. Traveller ranking. Fittingly called Floridas Most Relaxing Place, Navarre Beach is not your typical Florida beach town. Sun, sea, sand, and year-round warm, balmy weather, Florida is a popular go-to destination for visitors wanting to escape colder climes. 7. Madame Tussaud's and Sea Life Aquarium are right inside Icon Park in Orlando. Considered to be one of the best beaches in the country, St. Joseph Peninsula State Park offers 9.5 miles of snow-white beach. Things to Do in Jacksonville with Kids Enter dates Filters 1 Attractions Traveler favorites All things to do Category types Attractions Tours Day Trips Outdoor Activities Concerts & Shows Food & Drink Events Shopping Transportation Traveler Resources Types of Attractions Nature & Parks Fun & Games Boat Tours & Water Sports Sights & Landmarks Good to Know:Kids will especially enjoy the slides at the on-site water park, Buccaneer Bay. From iconic theme parks, like the Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Studios, to unique attractions, such as Gatorland and the Crayola Experience . Its also a good idea to book a guided tour through a local dive shop to ensure you stay along the famed Snorkel Trail and get the most out of your experience. Good to Know:Float under the lush live oak and cypress trees as you try your best to spot the parks array of otters, turtles, wild turkeys, and egrets. Located in Bay Lake and Lake Buena Vista, Florida, Walt Disney World spans 27,258 acres and features four massive theme parks, two water parks, 27 themed resort hotels and nine non-Disney-themed hotels, several championships and designer golf courses, a camping resort, and the outdoor Disney Springs shopping center. Founded in 1972 and based in a former water treatment plant whose pools are ideal for the rehabilitation of the animals, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium is currently home to a variety of marine animals, including Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, green sea turtles, great white pelicans, cow nose rays, North American river otters, and nurse sharks. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island. 50+ Awesome Things To Do In Orlando With Kids and Toddlers in 2023! Many other stations in the area topped 96 degrees, including one that hit 99 . (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Manatee Observation and Education Center, Kid-Friendly Things to Do in Jacksonville, 4. Traveller favourites. Pensacola's Children's Discovery Museumis a historical museum featuring a trading post, a Native American village, and displays from the citys maritime industry. What Is It? In nearbyWinter Haven, LEGOLAND Floridais a family favorite, filled with rides for little ones and even a waterpark. Manatee Observation and Education Center, 5. Safari Wilderness Book a safari tour and see eland, water buffalo, antelope, zebras and more at Safari Wilderness in Lakeland. Children ages 1-4 years are more likely to drown in a home swimming pool than children ages 5-19 years, who are more likely to drown in natural bodies of water. What Is It? 27 FUN FAMILY Things to Do in Orlando Besides DISNEY & Theme Parks Your browser is not supported for this experience.We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. Theme parks include Magic Kingdom, Epcot Center, Disneys Hollywood Studios, and Disneys Animal Kingdom, and the two water parks include Disneys Typhoon Lagoon and Disneys Blizzard Beach. Museum of Illusions 5. There aren't many places in this world made especially for kids. 2023. Interactive exhibits at the museum include a radio and television station, a grocery store, a castle, an emergency, and fire rescue station, and several play areas. From powdered sugar sands of the Panhandle to the watery wonderland of South Floridas swamps, theres no shortage of Florida attractions for every personality, budget, and comfort level. What Is It? Why Do It? [x-cloak]{display:none!important}. Situated in Americas oldest city, Castillo de San Marcos in St. Augustine is the perfect day trip for kids interested in the past. The museum houses an unparalleled collection of Salvador Dali artwork and the largest collection of Dal's works outside Europe, including oil paintings, including the masterpieces The Hallucinogenic Toreador and The Discovery of America by Christopher Columbus, over 100 watercolors and drawings, and over 1,300 photographs, sculptures, and objets d'art. Located on the 90-acre Tuscawilla Preserve, the Smithsonian-affiliated Museum features a state-of-the-art planetarium, one of the most significant collections of Cuban paintings in the United States, the Schulte Gallery of Chinese Art, the Dow Gallery of American Art, and the Prehistory of Florida Gallery. Things to Do with Kids in Orlando | Family Activities & Attractions For an extra treat, make sure your visit coincides with a rocket launch - a truly out-of-this-world experience. The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is an animal sanctuary dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of sick and injured marine animals in Clearwater, Florida. Dinosaur World is a family-friendly museum chain of three outdoor dinosaur theme parks around the country that feature over 150 life-size dinosaur sculptures designed and created by Christer Svensson. This unique Florida attraction offers easy water access from a small beach, and parking nearby is plentiful. 30 Fun Things to Do With Kids in Naples, FL - Destguides The museum is also home to the South Florida Folklife Center, the Education Center, and the City Tours program and offers several educational programs that focus on the importance of the past in shaping Miami's future. Theme parks may seem like the obvious vacation choice when traveling with kids, but you can expand your trip to include a variety of activities. WonderWorks Orlando 4. Note:Like many of the other unique things to do in Florida, this attraction requires a bit of planning, as its open to visitors only on a first-come, first-served basis. The Fern Forest Nature Center in Coconut Creek, FL is a vast 250-acre preserve and urban wilderness area that features deeply shaded forest and lush tropical jungle-like habitats that are home to a variety of fauna and flora, including over 30 types of ferns and other native plants. THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Florida with Kids (Updated 2023) - Tripadvisor Here are some places that just shouldn't be missed while in Florida. World Voyager | 9-Nt Antarctica Maiden Expedition, Air & 11-Day Israel & Jordan Value Group Tour, It's Xmas In July | Over 100 Tours w/ Air Up to 50% Off, Limited Time | Rent an RV, Get $70 for Campsite Stay, Up to $300 Off Solo Tours w/ Air | No Single Supplement, 7-Day Italy Guided Tour w/ YourChoice Excursions, Chicago | Car Rentals for Your Next Road Trip, 6-Day Christmas on the Danube River Cruise, 9-Day Scotland by Design Guided Tour | 2024 Travel, Air & 8-Day Portugal Tour | $300 Off use DHPRT300. A family-friendly island with small-town charm, Sanibel Island offers laid-back beaches and unique treasures ripe for the picking. 10 Things To Do In Tallahassee With Kids Visit Tallahassee While you finish the workday, they can enjoy the hotel and our fun beaches, then when the weekend arrives you can plan an . "dateModified": "2023-04-27", You will not be disappointed. Family-favorite museums include the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Museum, and Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum. They can experience fun, hands-on exhibits at kid-friendly museums, aquariums and zoos. Learn more in ourCookie Noticeand ourPrivacy Policy. 1 byParents Magazinein 2009. TripBuzz found 37 things to do with kids in or near Ocala, Florida, including 9 fun activities for kids in nearby cities within 25 miles like The Villages and Inverness. Good to Know: Boasting three miles of pristine white sand, this award-winning beach is home to free nightly events at Pier 60. Other facilities at the Tree Hill Nature Center include an indoor nature center with interactive exhibits, a learning laboratory, nature trails, and wildflower gardens, and wildlife viewing areas. One of the most visited and best-known theme parks the United States, Universal Studios Florida features an array of attractions such as Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley, MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack, TRANSFORMERS: The Ride-3D, Fear Factor Live, and The Simpsons Ride. 7 Great Florida Resorts that are Kid & Family Friendly Fireworks parades and light shows. 170 Things to Do with Kids in Melbourne, FL | TripBuzz Be sure to take a peek at the hatchlings in the incubator area and see the zoos kitchen, offering an inside look at the work involved in feeding more than 700 animals. Dine With A Scenic View - Sandbar Restaurant & Bar pairs classic American food with a scenic view of Florida's iconic sunset. The Florida Aquarium is a 501 (c)3 non-profit facility that aims to engage people through education, entertainment, conservation and research to inspire stewardship of our natural environment. COOL BLOCKS, MAIN STREETS AND WALKING TOURS, Certified Visitor Information Centers North Central Florida, Certified Visitor Information Centers Northeast Florida, Certified Visitor Information Centers Central West Florida, Certified Visitor Information Centers Central Florida, Certified Visitor Information Centers Central East Florida, Certified Visitor Information Centers Southwest Florida, Certified Visitor Information Centers Southeast Florida, Florida Travel and Vacation Guides - United States, Exchange Rates, Conversions, And Processes, Original Florida Roadside Attractions & Retro Theme Parks, How to Visit Floridas Theme Parks if You Have Food Allergies, Your Guide to Disneys Animal Kingdom Theme Park at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, A Quick Guide to Navigating Florida's Theme Parks. Located on Floridas west coast, Three Sisters Springs is a beloved natural springs area known for its unspoiled habitat. ; Destin: A charming destination on the Gulf Coast, Destin offers . "@context": "http://schema.org", For a unique special event, kids of all ages can experience theMardi Gras festivitiesinPerdido Key. Good to Know:Easily accessible for even the littlest beachgoer, kids can spend hours combing through the 300 species of colorful shells. THE 10 BEST Florida Things to Do with Kids Things to Do in Florida with Kids Enter dates Filters 1 Attractions Traveler favorites All things to do Category types Attractions Tours Day Trips Outdoor Activities Concerts & Shows Food & Drink Events Classes & Workshops Shopping Transportation Traveler Resources Types of Attractions The 15 best things to do with kids in Orlando - Time Out Our research is editorially independent but we Airboats come in different sizes, offering seating for two to 18 passengers. 201 S Lyons Rd, Coconut Creek, FL 33063, Phone: 954-357-5198. We love to share inspiration and advice with readers, and we do not sell our list. Florida is the place to be for football fans in your family. The Everglades National Park has been declared a World Heritage Site, an International Biosphere Reserve, and a Wetland of International Importance. Take the kids to the Navarre Beach Fishing Pier, the longest pier not only in the Gulf of Mexico but in all of Florida. Disney to add 'search and sniff' experience at Magic Kingdom - My News 13 from . From outdoor adventures to budget-friendly activities, read on to discover cheap things to do with the kids in Florida that wont break the bank. 7 Unique Things to Do in Florida That Kids Will Love - FamilyVacationist